COVID-19: Information for Older Adults

Older adults have an increased risk of severe outcomes from COVID-19, but can also be negatively impacted by social isolation.  There are general infection prevention and control measures that should be used to decrease the spread and impact of the disease, but mental health needs to be balanced as well. Here are some things older adults can do to keep themselves healthy:

• Monitor yourself for symptoms.
• Frequently wash your hands for 20 seconds.
• Cover your coughs and sneezes.
• Disinfect surfaces.
• Keep a 2 metre distance from others. Wear a mask when physical distancing is difficult to maintain, including when outdoors.
• If you live alone, consider having close contact with one other household to maintain your social connections.

For more details on general infection prevention measures, visit the Stop the Spread page.

With older adults being at higher risk of more severe outcomes from COVID-19, it is important that they:

• Avoid all non-essential travel.
• Avoid local public transportation if possible, as it is difficult to physically distance from others.

Information for Snowbirds

TBDHU recommends that all residents avoid non-essential travel outside of Northwestern Ontario. If residents have spent the winter months away from the region, they are required to follow all public health measures when they return, even if they have received a COVID-19 vaccination.

If they were out of Canada, they are required to:

• receive a negative PCR test prior to departure as well as upon arrival;
• stay in a government approved hotel for 3 nights; AND
• complete a mandatory 14 day self-isolation as per the Quarantine Act.

If they were out of Northwestern Ontario but within Canada, they are required to:

• limit interactions, especially close contact, with others 10-14 days prior to arrival;
• stay home and only leave home for essential reasons for 14 days upon arrival;
• carefully monitor for symptoms for 14 days, and get tested if symptoms develop; AND
• avoid interactions with others from outside their household and do not have visitors in their home.

For full details on this guidance, visit the Travel page.

If you are not feeling well and think you may have COVID-19 symptoms:

• Call the Assessment Centre nearest you or Telehealth Ontario at 1-866-797-0000. 
• Call 911 if you are in need of immediate medical attention.

If you need to see your health care provider (i.e. doctor, nurse practitioner, etc.):

• Call before attending your appointment to see how they will continue with the appointment.
• If you are unable to access your regular health care provider and you need medical attention, you can try Cover.Health which is an online walk-in clinic.

• Ask for help getting essential supplies, like groceries, household items and medications.
• Check with your local pharmacy and grocery store for special senior hours and/or delivery options.
• If you have a favourite restaurant, call to see if they offer senior discounts, take-out and/or delivery.
• Call 211 or visit 211north.ca for services available for older adults in your area, such as food banks, grocery stores, taxes, mental health services, snow removal and so forth.

There are some free/low cost meal or food hamper options for older adults in need. Things are constantly changing - call 211 or visit 211north.ca to find out more.

During a crisis, people can feel stressed. While staying home, people can feel lonely and isolated. To help cope in a positive way, do things you enjoy, such as:

• Take breaks from watching, reading or listening to news stories.
• Take deep breaths, stretch or meditate.
• Try to eat healthy, well-balanced meals and drink lots of fluids.
• Try to get some fresh air and sunlight daily by opening curtains and/or windows or going outside.
• Try some activities you enjoy.
• Connect with others over the phone or by social media. Check out the service "A Friendly Voice" for seniors who may be feeling lonely or isolated and want to talk to someone.
• Talk with people you trust about your concerns and how you are feeling.

Financial losses due to COVID-19 can be overwhelming. If you need help understanding and navigating COVID-19 supports, loans, and other options, consider accessing the free financial counselling available through Thunder Bay Counselling.

For more information, visit tbaycounselling.com or call (807) 684-1880 to speak to a financial counsellor.

• If you live with or know any older adults, ask how you can help them.
  • See if they need anything picked up for them, such as medication refills, groceries, cleaning products or other supplies they may need.
  • Ask if they need any meals prepared, a dog walked, snow cleared, or if there is anything else you can do for them.
• Respect their ability to make decisions about their needs.
• Phone calls, texts or other ways people prefer to communicate can be used to just chat or see how they are doing will help them to feel connected.
• Talking about positive things will help to alleviate stress and fear.
• If they live alone, consider encouraging them to have exclusive close contact with one other household, keeping in mind their physical and mental health status and their risk of developing complications from COVID-19.
• If you are an exclusive close contact of an older adult who lives alone, DO NOT VISIT if you are not feeling well for any reason or if you have travelled outside of Northwestern Ontario in the last 14 days.

For information and details on visiting loved ones in Long-Term Care homes or other retirement settings, visit the Long-Term Care & Retirement Homes page.